5 Life Changing Lessons I’ve Learned from Living with Depression.

Depression – a deep hole that I have been constantly trying to get out of. When I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, I had no idea what it meant. I had no clue what it was.

Depression is like this giant black hole — constantly dragging me down. A giant cloud engulfing every bit of me.

The odd thing was, I didn’t even realize how deep a hole I was in until I started facing it, not until I finally had the courage to admit to myself that I have depression and there is just no sense in masking or denying it to myself.

Now, I’m not going to say that I have conquered depression because the truth is I haven’t, I may even be far from doing that but I’m learning to cope with it each and every day.

And every day I’m still constantly trying to find a life that won’t consume me.

While living with depression is my constant struggle, it this has also taught me great lessons. Lessons that helped me cope and deal with it.

And these are the lessons that I will forever carry with it me.

Here are the top 5 lessons I’ve learned from living with depression.

Forgiveness is the key

What I discovered from constant visits with my therapist was that my depression was rooted in my childhood.

You see, growing up, I was constantly being compared to other people. I was never good enough for the people that I love.

I felt the need to always prove myself and gain other’s approval and validation.

I never felt that being myself was enough.

And you know why I have never learned to let that thought go?

It was because I never learned to forgive the people that caused that — I took their words with me.

And the moment that I started to forgive them, I also started forgiving myself.

I started to see that I was enough, that I didn’t need other people’s approval. I didn’t need other’s validation to know my worth.

I started to realize that the only validation that I’ll ever need is my own.

I know that forgiveness doesn’t come easy. It even took me more than 20 years to finally do it but it is worth it.

It’s freeing!

Just remember that forgiveness doesn’t mean that we are minimizing the pain that they have caused, it simply means that we are now ready to let go of the pain, heal and to not let them control our lives anymore.

Hard times will always reveal the truest gems

I never really had a big circle, I had a few close friends, a couple acquaintances but even with that small number, only a few people stayed and really listened without any judgments.

Some people may try to pretend that they understand what you’re feeling and that they are there for you but at the end of the day, you will know that they don’t really care about what you truly feel.

Difficult times will always reveal the most genuine people — so hang on to them!

Don’t be afraid to seek professional help

I had a hard time grasping what I truly felt, I didn’t understand what was going on, I was blessed to be encouraged by the people that I love to seek professional help, after a couple visits with my therapist, I discovered that opening up and talking about what I felt to her helped.

It helped me a lot. It gave me a sense of clarity towards the emotions that I felt and for me, that was comforting.

If you are also dealing with a mental illness, please know that you are not alone. There will always be hope! There will always be people who will listen, people who care and loves you unconditionally.

I know how difficult it is to believe that anything positive could happen but trust me, they do. So, don’t give up and let’s continue fighting it together!

Hi Nicole! Awww. ???? thank you for saying that. It was really difficult for me writing about this, it was hard opening up and sharing it with other people so knowing that someone appreciates it means so much to me. ☺️????????

All fantastic advice! And I love that you brought up that it’s ok to seek professional help! That’s so awesome. Seeking a neutral perspective to help you work through anything in life is fantastic and can be so helpful. I know counselling has done wonders for me in the past. <3 We never have to go it alone. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. This is truly wonderful! ^^

Hi Sara! Awww. ???? thank you! It means a lot to me knowing that somebody appreciates this topic since it was really difficult for me writing about this. And you’re certainly right! We never have to do it alone! ????

This was so great! I loved this a lot… Especially the forgiveness part… I had to deal with that growing up, too, and it’s pretty much scarred me so I’m half the adult I should be by now. As well as the whole… it’s devastating when people don’t really understand or even try to understand… HUGS ALL AROUND

Hi! I’m so glad you loved it! ???? It was really hard for me writing about this, so it really makes me happy seeing all the positive feedbacks. I know how it difficult it is to carry that kind of pain growing up, and you’re right it will really leave scars. Those scars will be a part of us but it will never define who we are and what we can be. ☺️ let’s keep pushing through. You got this! ???????? HUGS!!! ????????

Forgiveness is such a powerful thing! People misunderstand it, you are not doing it for THEM (the people you are forgiving) you are doing it for YOU. Stay strong and keep blogging – your articles will help others that need to hear your wisdom and know they are not alone.

Hi Mel! Your comment just made my day ???? that is my number 1 goal, to inspire and make other people feel that they are not alone. Thank you for your uplifting words! I needed to hear this today! ????

A big hug to you! I am glad you are sharing your story with people. Depression has become a little common these days and it’s really tough to deal with it! Some people are also unaware of being in depression. This post will help many to deal with this situation! I hope you are doing well 🙂